What Minnesota Voters Should Know About the Permanent School Fund Amendment
When we think about elections, much of the attention goes to the candidates running for office. But there’s more on the ballot than the people we elect.
This November, Minnesota voters have an opportunity to weigh in directly on an issue that could affect public education across the state.
The Permanent School Fund Amendment is one of those decisions—one that voters will make directly, rather than leaving it to their elected representatives.
What Is the Permanent School Fund?
Established in 1858, Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund generates money from state lands and investments to support public education across the state.
Today, the fund holds more than $2.3 billion. But longstanding rules limit how much of that money can be distributed to schools each year.
The Money Is Already There. So What Would Change?
The Permanent School Fund is already dedicated to supporting public schools. The proposed amendment would change how much money can be distributed annually, rather than creating a new source of funding.
Under the current system, distributions are largely based on interest and dividends earned by the fund. The amendment would establish a new formula based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three years.
The change would not raise individual income or property taxes or redirect funding from other public programs.
What Could This Mean for Minnesota Schools?
In 2025, schools received approximately $68 per student from the Permanent School Fund. Under the proposed amendment, that amount could increase to an estimated $101 per student—approximately $33 more per student.
The additional funding would reach public school districts, charter schools, and tribal schools across Minnesota, distributed on a per-student basis through existing state processes. Schools would not need to apply for the funding or meet new spending requirements.
Local schools could continue using these funds to support their priorities, from classroom learning and educational programs to other student needs.
The proposed formula is also designed to increase annual distributions while preserving the fund for future generations of Minnesota students.
Why Your Vote Matters—Even If You Leave the Question Blank
Unlike candidate elections, constitutional amendments give voters a direct say in whether a proposed change becomes part of Minnesota’s constitution.
In Minnesota, a constitutional amendment must receive a majority of all votes cast in the election—not just a majority of votes on the amendment itself.
That means leaving the question blank has the same effect on the outcome as voting no.
Look Beyond the Candidates This November
On November 3, 2026, Minnesota voters will decide whether to change how the Permanent School Fund supports public education, with implications for students today and in the future.
Learn more:
Minnesota Permanent School Fund Amendment: https://www.mnpsfamendment.org/
Minnesota Secretary of State: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/constitutional-amendments/
